French retailer L’Occitane has recently opened a new location unveiling its newest concept, is looking to renovate existing stores, and has plans to open between ten to fifteen stores in Canada within the next three years – six of these stores will be opening this year.
On March 16th, L’Occitane opened its newest concept at Quartier DIX30, the second largest multi-purpose shopping centre in Canada located in Brossard Quebec as it is an important market for the brand. The new store uses a “warm palette”, modern finishing, lots of imagery, scents, warm lights, and is all meant to “create an immersive natural environment.”
The concept store is taking a deeper dive into sustainability and has been “created to minimize its environmental impact. From manufacturing and lightweight construction, to demolition and final use that allows reversibility and recycling – the new store design and concept upholds L’Occitane’s core commitment to reduce waste,” says Paul Blackburn, Vice President, Retail Development, Design & Merchandising at L’Occitane.
“The concept uses locally sourced materials, plants, flowers, and the main goal is to reduce waste and leave no trace which means enjoying the beauty of nature without impacting the environment which inspired this concept for L’Occitane. Whether a store is being used for several months, or several years, part of the process is to plan for removal: it is designed to disappear without a trace.”
L’Occitane also opened a new location in Edmonton at the Southgate Center last month and has numerous plans to open more boutiques across Canada and to remodel existing stores.
Future Plans
Blackburn said L’Occitane is planning on opening between ten to fifteen stores in Canada within the next three years.
“The new concept is always evolving. We are excited, we think we have room for probably ten to fifteen store expansions over the next three years, so it is an exciting time for us. This is really the latest version of the brand and we are super excited to debut it and really build upon the brand’s commitment to sustainability and how we can, in the retail environment, think more responsibly on how we are building stores.”
Six locations have been planned to open this year which includes the two recent locations that have already been open. The other four locations include:
Bayshore, Ottawa – the second location in Ottawa and will open around June.
CF Markville, Ontario – opening around June
Royalmount, Quebec -opening early in 2024 and L’Occitane will be working with Carbonleo for the new store.
Vaughan Mills – Currently, L’Occitane is operating out of a pop-up truck and the concept has been there for about a year now. Blackburn said since they have been receiving great feedback from that location and it is doing great, they will move it into a permanent store this year.
Each location is approximately 600 to 800 square feet and is the size they are looking for while expanding and has a smaller footprint than larger locations.
“If we maximize the impact on the smaller footprint, it is better for everybody. The landlords want us to be productive, we want the stores to be efficient, so 600 to 800 square feet is the sweet spot for us. We really want to be in the best locations and sometimes we have to be a little flexible and creative with the deal making. We are still looking for more locations as there are several on the watch list and we are actively exploring opportunities.”
L’Occitane will also be remodeling existing stores this year as well. Locations that have already been renovated this year include locations in West Edmonton Mall, CF Rideau Centre in Ottawa, CF Chinook Centre in Calgary, the CF Richmond Centre in British Columbia, CF Masonville in London Ontario, CF Carrefour Laval in Montreal, and McArthurGlen in Vancouver.
Although L’Occitane has a new concept store and is remodeling a few locations, not every store will switch into the newest concept as they want to be unique.
“Customers might be traveling and walk into a different market, see a different store and it looks completely different and tells a different version of the brand story. We hope there is a continuous thread such as the great products and the iconic yellow branding, but the store experience is always a little different and we lean into that and know it is one of our unique points and I consider myself lucky to be able to continuously adapt.”
